Ofcom’s role

Bill Jamieson’s article, “All in, I win: Cameron’s TV strategy” (Perspective, 15 January), suggests that Ofcom would decide the line-up of possible leaders’ debates ahead of the general election. This is not the case. Ofcom has no role in determining the structure, format and style of any broadcast general election deb­ates that might take place. This is up to broadcasters.

Ofcom’s role is to set rules governing the minimum allocation of party election broadcasts, a duty placed on Ofcom by Parliament.

The broadcasters are able to allocate additional party election broadcasts, to major parties and others, and have a duty to ensure all broadcast coverage is fair, impartial and gives due weight to a range of voices.